The wild winter weather has kept the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department busy the past week.
In its latest report, the department says it responded to several traffic crashes, a reported scam, and a residential break-in. Deputies handled a variety of crashes and slide-offs due to hazardous road conditions. During one incident, a deputy narrowly avoided being struck by a semi that was traveling too fast for conditions and jackknifed after passing another patrol unit.
A serious crash was reported on I-94 when a truck pulling a trailer rear-ended a semi. The driver of the truck had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The sheriff’s department reminds drivers to slow down and use caution during poor weather and low visibility.
Deputies also uncovered a roadside assistance scam after stopping to help stranded drivers. The victims had already paid $600 in advance to what they believed was a towing company, which was later determined to be a fraud. The victims were able to cancel the transaction before it was finalized. Police warn everyone to be cautious when searching for towing services online, as scammers are using fake listings.
